Master of Design – MDes
Design
A course by
Massey University
Go in depth with an advanced design research qualification. Develop a creative outcome with direct application to the design industry or community and build strong connections with business, public, or non-profit sectors.
NZ$46,100
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Produce a substantial design-led research outcome
Create and present a thesis or capstone project that addresses a real-world design problem and delivers a well-developed creative outcome such as a prototype, system, or experience.
Apply advanced research methods
Demonstrate mastery of research methods relevant to creative practice, including kaupapa Māori and Indigenous research frameworks.
About This Course
The Master of Design (MDes) at Massey University is an advanced postgraduate qualification tailored for creative practitioners wanting to undertake in-depth, design-led research. Students develop advanced conceptual, technical, and research skills through coursework and a major supervised design thesis or capstone project, addressing real-world problems and producing innovative creative outcomes. The programme offers broad exposure to design disciplines and access to world-class facilities, with strong industry and community connections fostered throughout study. MDes graduates achieve critical, research-driven engagement in their area of design, preparing them for professional, entrepreneurial, academic, or leadership roles in the creative sector.
Course Content
- Creative Practice Research Methods
- Māori Research Methodologies for Creative Practice
- Design Project: Ideation and Development
- Design Research Development
- Subject specialisations: Visual Communication Design, Industrial Design, Fashion, Textiles, Spatial, Concept, Integrated Design, Photography
- Designing Science Fiction
- Design Awards and Competitions
- Play, Research and Design
- Creative Ecologies
- Social Interventions Through Design
- Creative Arts Special Topic
- Creative Arts Independent Study
- Advanced Studies in Design: Selected Topics
- Commercial Viability for Creative Practice
- Upskilling and Practice-based Knowledge
- Transformative Creative Practice
- Design Thesis (Research Pathway) or Capstone Project (Coursework Pathway)
Entry Requirements
Build towards these roles
Web designerDirector of health care product manufacturingCreative director in art agencies and museumsTechnical development consultantDesign intern in fashion and industrial design companiesDirector or account manager at publishing housesSecondary school art and design teacherDesign entrepreneur/founder
